Design Criteria for Application of Membrane Nitrogen Inerting Systems to Army Aircraft Fuel Tanks
Abstract
This report describes a study and development program to evaluate the application of a hollow fiber, permeable-membrane-based inert gas generation fuel tank inerting system to U.S. Army aircraft. The purpose of the system is to reduce the oxygen concentration in aircraft fuel tank ullage to an inert condition to eliminate the vulnerability of this volume to explosion and fire hazards associated with the presence of ignition source from hostile gunfire. Unlike some other fuel tank inerting systems, the inert gas generating system requires no regular resupply of expendables and does not add to the fuel tanks any materials that displace or retain fuel. Feasibility studies of system designs and aircraft penalties were evaluated for U.S. Army AH-1G, AAH, UH-1H, UTTAS, CH-47C, and OV-1D aircraft. Preliminary designs were prepared for systems for the following aircraft: AH-1G, CH-47C, and OV-1D (drop tanks only). The design of a flightworthy system was completed for the AH-1G Cobra helicopter.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA052869
Entities
People
- Alfred F. Funk
- Linus B. Buss
- Scott A. Manatt